What is BBest?

The BBEST Team is a vibrant and talented group of Etsians aged 40+ who are dedicated to Etsy which is synonymous with quality handmade items. Our very diverse group provides a place to chat, exchange ideas, help and support like minded members who call themselves the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team.

Here you will find business articles, helpful links, new trends and maybe just a little humor thrown in for good measure, too!

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Monday, April 14, 2008

One by One! We're going to run a series of mini interviews, based on questions that we think were originally posed by Gerry of Gerry's Jewel Box as a basis for getting to know each other (thanks, Gerry). We will go in no particular order, but will do our BBEST to get everyone posted.This is the second interview of many more to come. Pat of preciousquilts/onawhimsey has graciously accepted the challenge of answering the questions.

"PQ" preciousquilts- sells fabric items which began as cot quilts, baby crochet blankets and then evolved through to ACEOs and quilties. I am mainly trying to follow the market to see what will sell best on Etsy.

"OAW" onawhimsey - an adventure into textile art began with just that, fabric art, but I soon discovered encaustic art and that is where my true love is. I am still learning more about the medium creating ACEOs as well as larger paintings.

3. How long have you been engaged in your art/craft?

Believe it or not, I disliked sewing of any sort as a child, mainly because my mother was very talented and made all her own clothes along with mine. She was a very determined person who wanted everything to be just so and became very insular in her concentration making it hard to communicate with her at those times. When things were not going so well, my Dad and I soon understood to keep our heads down. Hopefully, I have not inherited that trait too much! I now love quilting and have done for the last 30 odd years. In contrast, my new found vocation in the art world is very very new - only a matter of a couple of months!

4. Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional crafts person?

Neither really. I am not a hobbyist and certainly not a professional so somewhere in between, I guess.

5. What inspires you?

The world around me. I have been very fortunate in having had the chance to live and work abroad from UK to Europe to Middle East to the Far East. Also visiting as a tourist many countries including USA. Traveling has been a way of life for so many years since I was a little girl moving around with my parents to living and working overseas in many different countries, doing a variety of jobs!

6. Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio?

No two days are the same even though there will always be certain things that get done every day. Once I have completed what I have to do around the house I check my computer, email, Etsy forum, BBEST postings, action memberships and answer any queries. Then I decide whether I want to play with fabric or paint. This is crucial to the days' events since my room/workspace is limited. It really is an either/or situation. Whichever I decide upon, the space gets cleared and organised for that particular medium. The painting takes less time and once completed I will upload the info onto Etsy and inform everyone that this has been done. Although I do have a small space I enjoy the fact that I can leave it at the end of the day.... return next day and the mess is still mine, all mine!

7. What keeps you company while you are working on a project?

My DH works from home. His office is next door so it is nice to know he is there although when we are both busy, not a word is spoken. Every now and again one of us will pop our heads around the door to see how things are going.

8. What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Creating. Getting the space ready for creating and then seeing what evolves!

9. What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Tidying up when I have to, in order to make space. Also, packaging up an item I created and have sold. Although I love the fact that I have sold something, it will have become a part of me in its creation. So it is like having to say farewell to a good friend.

10. Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or

crafters?

Always believe in yourself! Self doubt is so damaging and demoralising; it can creep in when we're unaware and destroy. No matter what, have faith! That is why the BBEST group is so wonderful in that there will always be someone to praise you or just pick you up, dust you down and let you go on with renewed hope.

Fantastic interview Pat! Love to learn about you and what (and how!) you do the fabulous work that you do! Hard to believe you are only a few months into this new creative world. And what fun to travel and have that as inspiration forever!

Fantastic interview Pat! Love to learn about you and what (and how!) you do the fabulous work that you do! Hard to believe you are only a few months into this new creative world. And what fun to travel and have that as inspiration forever!